We’re likely to continue hearing the term “fiscal cliff” as President Obama and congressional leaders work toward a deficit-reduction deal ahead of a December 31st deadline.

Most Republicans in Washington are staunchly opposed to raising tax rates on the wealthiest Americans to help reduce the deficit.

But an author and philosophy scholar at the University of Illinois Springfield says the rich must be taxed more if the country is to rebound from a recession and invest in its future.

UIS Emeritus Professor of Philosophy Peter Wenz spoke with WUIS’ Peter Gray about his new book Take Back The Center, and why regaining what he calls a “sane center” in American politics is so important as the “fiscal cliff” looms.